Dental professionals regard dental implants as the finest form of tooth replacement available because they function, feel, and look just like real teeth. While these lifelike and sturdy prosthetic appliances have allowed millions to enjoy complete and beautiful smiles after tooth loss, you may be wondering if you are too old to receive them. Here’s a brief guide to how dental implants can replace your missing teeth at any age.
Why Is Tooth Loss More Common among Older People?
Older teeth are more likely to be lost because they have generally endured much more wear and tear than younger ones. A few reasons you may lose teeth in your senior years include:
- Years of poor oral hygiene resulting in more oral infections
- The teeth becoming severely cracked or chipped due to improper chewing practices
- Excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time
- Long-term tobacco habits that leave the gums more vulnerable to infections
- The teeth simply wearing out after decades of use
How Can Dental Implants Replace Lost Teeth in Seniors?
The dental implant placement process is much the same for seniors as it is for younger adults, albeit an older patient may experience a longer recovery period. After you have been approved for the treatment during your consultation, you will be scheduled for a minimally invasive surgical procedure to have your implants placed.
Your dentist will begin the process by applying an appropriate anesthetic to ensure your comfort before making small incisions in your gum tissue and inserting small titanium posts into the jawbone. These posts will fuse with the surrounding bone structure, creating a sturdy foundation for a dental restoration such as a denture, crown, or bridge that will be placed at a later date.
What if I Am Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
The most common reasons for a person to be disqualified from dental implants are gum disease and inadequate bone mass in the jaw. Luckily, these issues can be addressed through treatments such as periodontal therapy and bone grafts. If you find out that you aren’t a good candidate for dental implants during your consultation, you may be able to become one later after receiving one or more preliminary treatments.
Don’t let worrying that you may be too old for dental implants keep you from scheduling your tooth replacement consultation. During this appointment, your dentist will be able to determine the best way to address your tooth loss.
About the Author
Dr. Vrajesh Shah earned his dental degree and underwent his prosthodontic training at the New York University College of Dentistry. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Edison provides general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implant services. To schedule your prosthodontic consultation, contact his office online or dial (732) 943-1709.